Please join us for the next two events scheduled for
Recently the brewery hosted a launch party for a beer specially brewed for the Friends of Ephrata Police Foundation, labeled “Hair of The Dog”, with a portion of every glass sold goes to the Foundation, thanks to Black Forest owners Bob and Denise Harter. Well known for supporting the Ephrata community, the Harter’s are going all-out to support the task of creating a K-9 Unit for the Ephrata Police.
Raising funds to acquire a K-9 Officer for the Ephrata Police is the current goal of the Friends organization. “Forming a K-9 Unit is an expensive proposition”, according to Foundation President Steve DeWeese. Adding,” The support received from the citizens and businesses in the Ephrata area is overwhelming, and very much appreciated”.
The restaurant was packed with members of the community in a show of support for the Ephrata Police and the Foundation’s efforts to pay for the startup of the K-9 Unit in Ephrata.
According to DeWeese, “There is an understanding that the need for the K-9 is real”. “Many folks expressed their appreciation for what we are striving to accomplish.”.
In addition to contributing through the sale of the dedicated beer, the Harters provide an opportunity to round-up the amount on your food and beverage bill – with the additional amount going to the Foundation. There are also table-top signs with a QR Code for patrons to donate.
The Friends of the Ephrata Police Foundation has set a goal of $100,000 to cover all costs for the start-up. “The amount for the dog, its training, safety equipment and handler training is approximately $20,000, with the cost for a customized vehicle consuming the balance”, according to DeWeese. By the Foundation raising the funds privately, the financial burden does not fall on the taxpayers.
A generous donation recently received from the Kathryn L. Hershey Estate will cover the cost of the animal, but there is still a sizable gap remaining to acquire the specially equipped, full-size SUV needed.
Information received from Ephrata Police Chief Chris McKim indicated that the dog will be extensively trained in drug detection, apprehension, and search and rescue. “Officer Robert Focht has been carefully selected as the K-9 handler after an extensive vetting process”, said McKim. “Focht and the dog will go through a multi-week training period after the first of the year”, Kim added.
Black Forest Brewery is also conducting a “Cutest Dog” contest with the proceeds going toward the K-9 program. There are pictures of 25 dogs on the wall of the brewery’s restaurant – each with a number corresponding to a jar. Patrons vote by placing money in the jar of the dog they think is the cutest.
The winner will be determined by which dog has the most money. The determination will be made at the next “Back the Blue” event scheduled for Wednesday, October 15 th , from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Black Forest Brewery, located behind the 1777 Americana Inn Bed & Breakfast, 301 W. Main St., Ephrata. Parking and entrance are off N. Oak Street.
The “Back the Blue” event is open to the public. Beer and food will be available for purchase.
Friends of the Ephrata Police
Foundation
P.O. Box 23 – Ephrata, PA 17522
717 925-0558
www.foepf.org
For additional information – contact Steve Aronson at 717 733-4918 or friendsoftheephratapolice@gmail.com